This 5-day, 4-night adventure takes you off the beaten path, from the High Atlas peaks to the vast, wild dunes of Chegaga. You will traverse spectacular landscapes: the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, the lush Drâa Valley, and the desert expanses of Lake Iriqui.
Combining culture and nature, this journey features visits to UNESCO sites like Ait Ben Haddou, authentic encounters in the palm groves, and total immersion in the Sahara with a night in a luxury desert camp. It is the ideal itinerary to discover the diversity of Southern Morocco—a blend of traditional architecture, caravan history, and the sheer immensity of the desert.
Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura Palm Grove
Journey: Departure after breakfast towards the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 m), the highest in Morocco.
Visits: Arrival at Ait Ben Haddou, a true open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage site (filming location for many movies). Continue to Ouarzazate to visit the Taourirt Kasbah.
Evening: Overnight in a charming guesthouse with a pool and organic aromatic gardens in the Skoura palm grove.
Distance: 215 km (approx. 4 hours).
Day 2: Skoura Valley to Zagora and Drâa Valley
Morning: Discovery of the Skoura palm grove and the Amridil Kasbah.
Journey: Drive through the Saghro volcanic mountains towards the Drâa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with palm trees.
Activity: Morning trek starting from the hotel in Skoura or a walk in Zagora. Stop at Ksar Ouled Othmane.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in a pleasant Riad in Zagora.
Distance: 197 km (approx. 3 hours).
Day 3: Zagora – Tamegroute – M’hamid – Chegaga
Visits: Depart for Tamegroute to visit the Quranic library and pottery workshops.
Adventure: The paved road ends at M’hamid El Ghizlane. From there, a two-hour off-road track takes you to the Deluxe Desert Camp in the Chegaga dunes.
Activities: Camel ride (30 min to 1h) to admire the sunset and sandboarding on the dunes.
Evening: Traditional music by the campfire and overnight in a tent (private bathroom).
Distance: 150 km (3 hours).
Day 4: Chegaga Dunes to Ounila Valley
Journey: Crossing the dry Lake Iriqui (off-road) towards Foum Zguid, then drive to Taznakht (the city of carpets).
Discovery: Pass by fossil deposits (fossil hunting possible) and cross the Anti-Atlas mountains.
Evening: Return to the Ait Ben Haddou / Ounila Valley area for the night in a Berber guesthouse.
Distance: Approx. 250 km (4h30).
Day 5: Crossing the High Atlas to Marrakech
Morning: Opportunity to bake bread with the guesthouse neighbors, followed by a beautiful hike (approx. 2h) in the Ounila Valley.
Visit: Visit the magnificent Telouet Kasbah.
Return: Cross the High Atlas via the Tichka pass and descend to the Marrakech plain in the mid-afternoon.
Distance: 170 km (3 hours).
Included in the price:
Accommodation:
Hotel/Riad (3 nights).
Camp (1 night).
Meals:
4 Breakfasts.
4 Dinners.
Transport:
Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide.
Activities:
Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Visit to Telouet Kasbah.
Camel ride in the Sahara.
Visit to the Tamegroute pottery workshop.
Visit to the Chegaga sand dunes.
